Armed Police Arrest Man Over Machete Scare Near Tamworth Schools
A 34-year-old man has been arrested after reports of a machete-wielding suspect near schools in Stonydelph, Tamworth sparked a dramatic police response this morning.
Early Morning Panic as Schools Locked Down
At 8.43am, officers were called to Silver Link Road and Crowden Road following witness reports of a man brandishing a large weapon. Multiple schools including Stonydelph Primary School and Three Peaks Primary Academy were immediately locked down as a precaution.
Huge Police Operation with Armed Units and Helicopter
Staffordshire Police launched a major manhunt deploying armed officers, local patrols, and the National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter overhead. A machete was recovered at the scene.
A Staffordshire Police spokesperson said: “We were called at 8.43am to reports of a man with a machete on Silver Link Road and Crowden Road. Local officers, together with firearms teams and the police helicopter, searched the area. A 34-year-old man from Glascote, Tamworth, was arrested. A machete has been recovered.”
No Injuries – Schools Stand Down
Thankfully, no injuries were reported. Schools have since been stood down from lockdown, with parents kept fully informed throughout the tense incident.
A spokesperson for Stonydelph Primary School said: “At the start of the school day, we received a concerning report involving an unknown man near the school. Police responded quickly, and following their advice, we went into lockdown—a procedure well rehearsed by our staff and pupils.”
Police Appeal for Footage and Witnesses
Police are urging anyone with CCTV, dashcam, or doorbell footage to come forward as they continue their investigation. Witnesses can call 101 quoting incident 142 of 4 June, use the online 1 Chat service on the Staffordshire Police website, or provide information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
